Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Most people are unaware they have genital herpes because they do not have symptoms. Some people may have mild symptoms or mistake their symptoms for something else, such as
jock itch
or a
yeast infection. Sexual contact with others can spread the infection even if symptoms are not present.

If recognizable symptoms do occur, they usually appear 4-7 week of exposure. There may be an early period of symptoms just before the the skin lesions appear, which may include:

Local or regional pain

Tingling

Itching

Burning

Discomfort during urination

Flu-like symptoms may also occur including:

Headache

Fever

Body aches

Swollen lymph glands

Primary Outbreak and Recurrence

Genital herpes is marked the initial outbreaks, healing, and recurrences. Outbreaks may cause:

Sores that start to form where the virus was contracted and entered the body

Sores that begin as small red bumps

Sores or blisters that appear and occur in clusters or small groupings

Blisters may become painful open sores. Outbreaks usually appear on or inside the genital and/or anal areas. Examples include the penis, vulva, cervix (the entrance to the uterus), rectum, or urethra (the tube that carries urine from the body). Lesions can also appear on the buttocks or upper thighs.

The lesions usually heal without scarring within 2-6 weeks. At the end of the outbreak, a crust forms over the outer layer of the sore and the crust eventually falls off. This indicates a period of inactivity. Even though you don't have visible signs of genital herpes during inactive periods, it is important to know you can still transmit the virus to others.

Outbreaks may occur a number of times throughout the year, or may only occur once or twice in a lifetime. The frequency of outbreaks varies from person to person. The first year after the initial infection is usually the most severe and painful, with a second outbreak often happening only a few weeks later. As time goes on, recurrences tend to become milder and shorter in duration. Often, recurrences are signaled by symptoms where the virus first entered your body.

Infection with the HSV-2 virus is associated with more frequent recurrences than an infection with HSV-1 virus.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.